Sunderland City Council has announced that two of the three distinctive business pods at Roker have now been leased to local organisations, completing the site’s occupancy alongside the already thriving Emmys Coffee.
Sunderland Community Action Group and North East Sport have each signed 10-year leases, cementing their long-term commitment to the seafront and adding to the area’s growing vibrancy. The third pod, operated by Emmys Coffee, has already proven popular with visitors and locals alike.
The moveable Roker pods arrived at Marine Walk in July 2013 and were designed in response to a need for more facilities during a public consultation. The pods are part of the council’s ongoing regeneration work along the seafront. They provide unique spaces for independent businesses and community organisations to grow while contributing to the cultural and leisure offer in Roker.
The newly leased pods were the former home of Environmental Charity CEED, who were based in Roker Park.
Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council said:
“We’re delighted to see all three pods now let to such dynamic, community-focused businesses. Sunderland Community Action Group and North East Sport brings fresh opportunities for engagement, activity, and support in the area, complementing the fantastic work already done by Emmys Coffee. This marks another positive step in making Roker a destination for everyone to enjoy.”
North East Sport empowers Sunderland communities through inclusive youth football, holiday camps, and health programs.
Peter Curtis, founder and director of North East Sport said:
“Acquiring one of the pods is tremendous news for us at North East Sport. We have seen generations of young people attending our hugely-successful beach camps over a period of 14 years, and securing this on a long-term lease means we can not only continue to build our beach camp programme but also invite schools and other community groups to access the beach and our amazing coastline through beach schools, sports, arts, and crafts.
“We are absolutely delighted, and we know that many of our users are also over the moon. This is great news! Anyone interested in getting involved contact support@northeastsport.co.uk“
Sunderland Community Action Group was formed in 2015 to provide youth and community services in Sunderland.
Richy Duggan, project manager at Sunderland Community Action Group said:
“Acquiring one of the Roker Pods will enable Sunderland Community Action Group to offer an even wider range of low-cost cycling hire, organised bike rides, cycle maintenance courses and direct support to members of the public. We are thrilled to be moving into the Roker Pods which will enable us to support local people get on a bike and enjoy our wonderful coastline.”
To find out more about Sunderland Community Action Group and to get involved contact sunderlandcommunityactiongroup@hotmail.com.
These two new businesses join Emmys Coffee Pod which has been serving coffee at Roker for 3 years.
Emmy Walls, owner of Emmys Coffee Pod said:
“In the last 3 years since we have been open, we have established a great customer base who love enjoying a coffee with one of the best views in Sunderland. I am really happy I have some neighbours, good luck to North East Sport and Sunderland Community Action in their new pods.”
